Elbit Systems to Develop Benelux Countries' 'Smart Vest' Soldier Network Program

Elbit Systems has won a US$150 million contract from the Dutch Ministry of Defense to supply advanced systems for the infantry soldiers in the Benelux countries.

The contract will be performed over a five-year period in Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg, the company announced today.

Elbit Systems will serve as the program prime contractor and Thales will be its main sub-contractor. Other local companies will take part in the project, providing support and immediate response to the customer’s needs.

The Smart Vest, a technological program, is a co-operation between the soldier modernization programs of the Netherlands’ VOSS, Belgium’s BEST and Luxemburg’s COMPASS.

The Smart Vest is the first strategic joint program of the Benelux countries, and will provide the ground soldiers with a system, which will enhance survivability and safety while increasing their capabilities and effectiveness in the digital battlefield.

The systems will be light-weight, modular and scalable and will interface with existing systems.

The Smart Vest program will include wearable and protective systems for the soldier, command and control systems, including advanced audio and data radio systems, specialized displays and C4I capabilities as well as vehicle systems.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems said that the fact that such advanced armies have selected our solutions attests to our technological leadership and to the maturity of our solutions. We will welcome domestic Benelux companies to join us in the project in order to strengthen the support for the local customers.